Interviewing traffickers and victims

If they are foreign nationals who are not resident in
the UK, suspected traffickers should be interviewed by the Immigration
Service to establish their immigration status. Once this is
established police should determine whether there is sufficient
evidence to bring a prosecution.

Victims of trafficking are often considered to be
‘unreliable witnesses’. Experience has shown, however, that if they
are treated sympathetically, trust allowed to develop, and they feel
safe then they are often happy to report all of their experiences.[1]

Extensive work has been carried out regarding
protocols for interviewing victims of sexual assault. Much of this
will be relevant and appropriate for victims of trafficking.

It is important to realise that the language and
terminology that professionals use may not have much meaning to the
victims. For example they may not understand what trafficking is and
will need it explaining to them in simple terms. At the same time it
is better to base the interview questions around all the aspects of
the UN definition rather than assume a common understanding of
‘trafficking’.

Suspected traffickers or victims should be
interviewed separately and individually – a group of suspected victims
may well include an agent of the traffickers.

Care should be taken with selection of interpreters,
to ensure that they do not have any involvement with traffickers and
are not exposed to coercion from traffickers.